Trouble Code

• The first function is the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) check. A DTC is a code stored in the ECU memory whenever a malfunction in the signal circuits to the ECU occurs. In a DTC check, a previous malfunction's DTC can be checked by a technician during troubleshooting.

• Another function is the Input Signal Check, which checks if the signals from various switches are sent to the ECU correctly.

By using these functions, the problem areas can be narrowed down and troubleshooting is more effective. Diagnostic functions are incorporated in the following system in the RAV4.

System

DTC Check (Normal Mode)

DTC Check (Check Mode)

Freeze Frame Data

Sensor Check / Test Mode (Input Signal Check)

Data List

Active Test

Customize Parameter

SFI System (2AZ-FE)

O

o

o

O

o

SFI System (2GR-FE)

O

o

o

O

o

Automatic Transaxle System (U241E)

O

o

o

o

o

Automatic Transaxle System (U140F)

o

o

o

o

o

Automatic Transaxle System (U151E)

o

o

o

o

o

System

DTC Check (Normal Mode)

DTC Check (Check Mode)

Freeze Frame Data

Sensor Check / Test Mode (Input Signal Check)

Data List

Active Test

Customize Parameter

Automatic Transaxle System (U151F)

O

O

O

O

O

Active Torque Control 4WD System

O

O

o

o

Electronic Power Steering System

o

O

Vehicle Stability Control System

o

O

o

o

o

Warning

System

o

o

o

Meter/ Gauge System

o

o

o

O

Conditioning (for Automatic Air

Conditioning System)

o

o

o

o

Conditioning (for Manual Air Conditioning System)

o

o

o

Airbag System

o

O

o

Classification

System

o

o

Warning

System

o

o

Immobiliser

System

o

o

o

Cruise Control System

o

o

o

Wiper and Washer System

o

o

Power Door Lock Control System

o

o

o

o

Wireless Door Lock Control System

o

o

o

Warning

System

o

Power Window Control System

o

o

o

Lighting System

o

o

o

Sliding Roof System

o

o

System

DTC Check (Normal Mode)

DTC Check (Check Mode)

Freeze Frame Data

Sensor Check / Test Mode (Input Signal Check)

Data List

Active Test

Customize Parameter

Audio and Visual System

O

Communication System

O

O

O

• In the DTC check, it is very important to determine whether the problem indicated by the DTC is either: 1) still occurring, or 2) occurred in the past but has since returned to normal. In addition, the DTC should be compared to the problem symptom to see if they are related. For this reason, DTCs should be checked before and after confirmation of symptoms (i.e., whether or not problem symptoms exist) to determine current system conditions, as shown in the flowchart below.

• Never skip the DTC check. Failing to check DTCs may, depending on the case, result in unnecessary troubleshooting for systems operating normally or lead to repairs not related to the problem. Follow the procedures listed in the flowchart in the correct order.

• The following flowchart shows how to proceed with troubleshooting using the DTC check. Directions from the flowchart will indicate how to proceed either to DTC troubleshooting or to the troubleshooting of each problem symptom.

Don't pay hundreds of dollars to find out what is wrong with your car. This book is dedicated to helping the do it yourself home and independent technician understand and use OBD-II technology to diagnose and repair their own vehicles.